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Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs

<p>Detectives are investigating the deaths of two police dogs after they were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney's south. </p> <p>Police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier had attended a development day with their handler in Lucas Heights.</p> <p>Authorities said the two German shepherds had been kept in air-conditioned pods in the police vehicle purpose-built for them. </p> <p>Their handler made the tragic discovery when they went to check on the dogs about 12.30pm on Thursday. </p> <p>“They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived,” NSW Police said in a statement.</p> <p>An investigation overseen by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services is now underway.</p> <p>Authorities did not reveal any information about how they died or whether there were problems with the vehicle. </p> <p>Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the highly trained German shepherds, who were vital for officers serving the community. </p> <p>“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Webb said.</p> <p>“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss would be felt deeply by the police officers. </p> <p>"Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them," he said.</p> <p>Xtra gained accreditation as a general-purpose dog  in 2018 while Soldier only began service with the Dog Unit in February this year for training and development.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police Force</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Patti Newton's moving tribute three years on from Bert's death

<p>It's been three years since entertainment legend Bert Newton passed away, and now his wife has delivered a touching tribute on the anniversary of his death. </p> <p>Patti Newton took to Instagram to share a montage of special moments she shared with her late husband during their time together. </p> <p>“I love you. I miss your smile and your kindness but most of all I miss you,” she wrote.</p> <p>“Three years gone but a wonderful life that will never be forgotten.”</p> <p>She shared a few photos of Bert celebrating birthdays, christmas and other milestones with his grandchildren, and fans took to the comments to share their own memories of Bert. </p> <p>“A beautiful life, a beautiful family. We all still remember and love Bert alongside you xxx,” one wrote.</p> <p>“Bert was, and always will be an icon in Australian entertainment Patti. He will live in the hearts of us who had the pleasure to be entertained by him for many years. Much love to you and the family today," another commented. </p> <p>“What an extraordinary life you both lived and loved.. now Bert is your guardian Angel still loving you from above xxx,” commented a third.</p> <p>“Patti we all miss him he was sunshine to me but nobody will ever miss him like you do…true love never dies, he is always with you,” wrote a fourth. </p> <p>“Thinking of you today Patti and I’m sending you big hugs 🤗 and love," another commented. </p> <p>Bert passed away on October 30, 2021 at the age of 83 after a long health battle. He was known for a variety of TV shows including <em>The Bert Newton Show, Tonight with Bert Newton, The Don Lane Show</em> and a few others. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Boy's tragic death in school crash sparks incredible community response

<p>The 11-year-old boy who tragically died after a car <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/child-dies-after-car-crashes-through-school-gate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crashed</a> through his school's gate has been identified, with a family friend sharing more details about the horrific accident. </p> <p>Jack Davey was sitting with friends when a car slammed through a fence and into a group of Year 5 students at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday afternoon.</p> <p>He was critically injured and died on the way to hospital, while four other children were also injured. </p> <p>School mum and friend of the family Lucy Pristel told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/incredible-response-after-boys-tragic-death-in-melbourne-school-crash-052951244.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a> the shocking incident has "affected" the entire "close-knit" community.</p> <p>“I have no words, to be honest with you. They are the most beautiful family. They would do anything for anyone,” she said. </p> <p>Lucy's own 11-year-old son, who is also a student at the school and played basketball with Jack, witnessed the tragedy unfold before his eyes.</p> <p>"Unfortunately a lot of the kids saw what happened," she said. "It's affected everybody. The school has offered councillors to us all, so there's been a lot of support. We're a close-knit community." </p> <p>To help support the grieving family, Lucy, along with some of the other school mums, decided to launch a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-davey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:GoFundMe;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="15" data-v9y="1">GoFundMe</a> to help "ease the burden" of funeral costs, adding, "We just wanted to make life as easy as possible." </p> <p>In a matter of hours, the fundraiser has exceeded its goal, and at the time of writing over $140,000 has bee donated by the community.</p> <p>Lucy recalled the moment she found out about the horror that unfolded at the school on Tuesday afternoon, saying she didn't realise the extent of what had happened at first. </p> <p>"I actually drove past the school after it happened and didn't think much of it," she admitted. "Then I started hearing about it."</p> <p>"I ran down to the school... you could see parents for at least 300, 400 metres and I saw everyone hugging. That's when I knew something happened at our school [and not one of the others close by]."</p> <p>Ever since then, "everyone has just bound together," she said sharing the "pure horror" felt by everyone.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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Tragic new details emerge about baby's death in Bali

<p>Tragic new details have merged about the sudden death of a toddler, who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/profound-grief-baby-dies-during-family-holiday-in-bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> while on a family holiday to Bali.</p> <p>According to Indonesian police, the 14-month-old boy drowned in a villa swimming pool at Villa Besar in Kerobokan, north of Kuta in Bali. </p> <p>Police spokesperson Avitus Panjaitan told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14017027/Tragic-new-details-emerge-cause-Australian-babys-death-Bali.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a></em> that the family did not report the death to police, and officers only found out details after interviewing resort staff.</p> <p>Staff reported that the family had returned to the villa from a water park in the evening shortly before the alarm was raised that a baby was drowning in the pool just minutes later. </p> <p>The staff recalled seeing a woman pull the baby from the water and desperately performing CPR to revive the child, but by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, the child was already deceased. </p> <p>In the wake of the tragedy, the child's father Brendan Sharp shared a gut wrenching update on Facebook, describing his son as a "one of a kind" child who filled every room with laughter and light.</p> <p>"He was always happy and cheerful, lighting up the room with whomever was there," he said.</p> <p>"His cheekiness and affection were like no other, and he was always dancing and having fun with a side of cheeky."</p> <p>"You were so special my boy - keep shining like the star you are and keep an eye on all of us down here," he said.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-grace-and-brendan-cope-with-the-loss-of-their-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up by the family to help cover the funeral, and to allow parents Grace and Brendan time to grieve without financial pressure.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Child dies after car crashes through school gate

<p>One child has died and another four kids have been left injured after a car crash through a school gate in the east Melbourne suburb of Auburn. </p> <p>Emergency services were called to Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East on Tuesday afternoon after a car veered off the road and into the primary school's gate.</p> <p>The car collided with a table where five children were sitting. </p> <p>Two 11-year-old girls, one 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were all taken to hospital with serious injuries.</p> <p>An 11-year-old boy was taken to hospital with critical injuries, and later died.</p> <p>The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 40-year-old woman who was local to the area, and was arrested at the scene. </p> <p>A primary school-aged was also in the car at the time of the crash but remained unharmed. </p> <p>Victoria Police Inspector Craig McEvoy said the driver was attempting a U-turn before veering off the road, and it appeared the crash was an accident.</p> <p>"It's tragic circumstances ... really tough for everyone involved," McEvoy said. "It's always a tough time when children are involved."</p> <p>"The ongoing investigation will take days, weeks, months," Inspector McEvoy added.</p> <p>Premier Jacinta Allan also commented on the incident, saying it should have been an "unremarkable sunny day" at the school.</p> <p>"Instead, a dark shadow has been cast over our city and state," she wrote on X.</p> <p>"I'm sending my love and thoughts to the students, their families and the whole school communityAnd my thanks to the first responders on the scene," she said.</p> <p>"I know tonight Victorians will be thinking of Auburn South Primary, and holding our kids even closer."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News / Nine News </em></p>

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Who dies in a heat wave? How to help protect the vulnerable in our communities

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/myles-david-sergeant-1542267">Myles David Sergeant</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/mcmaster-university-930">McMaster University</a></em></p> <p>Extreme heat is a silent killer.</p> <p>From time to time, we hear about shocking cases of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/24/football-player-heat-deaths-athlete">football players</a> and other athletes who die suddenly while exerting themselves on hot days. Those deaths are certainly tragic, but statistically they are very rare.</p> <p>Most deaths from extreme heat <a href="https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-related-deaths">are in older people</a>, who frequently die alone inside their homes. They often die slowly, as the heat creeps up to and sometimes past body temperature, especially when heat domes park themselves over cities and keep the temperature high all day and all night. When such deaths happen, they rarely make the news.</p> <p>Of all the climate change disasters our world is already experiencing, heat is the top killer, <a href="https://library.wmo.int/viewer/68500/download?file=1335_WMO-Climate-services-Health_en.pdf&amp;type=pdf&amp;navigator=1">as the World Meteorological Organization reported</a>. The planet was more than <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/08/temperatures-1-point-5c-above-pre-industrial-era-average-for-12-months-data-shows">1.5 C above the pre-industrial baseline</a> for 12 consecutive months from July 2023 to June 2024. In July this year, we saw the hottest three days ever on record, prompting <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2024-07-25/secretary-generals-press-conference-extreme-heat">a special statement from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres</a>.</p> <h2>Health risks and heat</h2> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499843/">Our bodies are made to dump excess heat</a> when we are too warm, but that process goes into reverse when the air is warmer than our core temperature. Our other main defence, sweating, doesn’t help when humidity saturates the air, making it impossible for our own moisture to evaporate.</p> <p>For the frail and elderly, who are more likely to be labouring with heart troubles, COPD or other challenges, simply sitting still in a heat wave requires an effort equivalent to walking on a treadmill. The effort is not great, but it is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjco.2021.10.002">steady and relentless</a>. It exhausts the body, sometimes to the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00117-6">point of no return</a>.</p> <p>Tracking heat-related deaths is challenging, and it’s changing as authorities become more aware of heat as a contributing or underlying factor to deaths by other causes. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.100081">A paper published by the <em>American Journal of Public Health</em></a> points out that the 1995 heat wave in Chicago likely contributed to hundreds more deaths than had first been attributed to heat itself.</p> <h2>Who is at risk?</h2> <p>Many people lack air conditioning or a way to get to a place that has it, such as a library, recreation centre or shopping mall. As a result, too many people in cities are forced to <a href="https://wmo.int/publication-series/2023-state-of-climate-services-health">endure long waves of heat</a> — waves that are occurring more frequently, lasting longer, and reaching higher temperatures — in a trend that appears set to continue getting worse.</p> <p>Air conditioning, <a href="https://www.lpm.org/news/2015-07-24/the-history-of-movie-theaters-and-air-conditioning-that-keeps-film-lovers-cool">once a luxury that drew people to summertime movie theatres on hot nights</a>, has become a necessity. Increasingly, it is also a legal requirement, as cities pass bylaws requiring landlords not to allow the temperature in their tenants’ quarters to rise above a certain level. Toronto has <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/find-service-information/article/?kb=kA06g000001xvbiCAA">such a bylaw</a> for rental units that have air conditioning available, capping indoor temps at 26 C between June 2 and Sept. 14.</p> <p>Such laws recognize the vulnerability of tenants who lack control over the temperature in their rental units, making heat death an especially urban tragedy, as confirmed in <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/82-003-x/2024006/article/00001-eng.pdf?st=e6jLNMuq">a recent Statistics Canada study</a> between 2000 and 2020. Deaths from extreme heat were more likely in cities with a higher percentage of renter households.</p> <p>During a single week-long heat wave in June 2021 — the year after the period captured in the Statistics Canada study — <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-heat-dome-sudden-deaths-570-1.6122316">B.C.’s chief coroner found that 570 people died from heat-related causes</a> — 79 per cent of them were seniors.</p> <h2>Taking action at the community level</h2> <p>From this Global North perspective, the community members who are most likely to die from extreme heat included:</p> <ul> <li>Those over 65</li> <li>Those with more than one chronic condition (including hypertension, mental health, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease)</li> <li>Socially disadvantaged populations in our communities</li> <li>Those with mobility issues</li> <li>Those experiencing social isolation (living alone)</li> <li>Tenants with lack of air conditioning</li> <li>Those living in an urban heat island</li> </ul> <p>This problem is not going away.</p> <p>Some of the <a href="https://www.intactcentreclimateadaptation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UoW_ICCA_2022_04-Irreversible-Extreme-Heat.pdf">actions we can take</a> to protect our most vulnerable community members include:</p> <ul> <li>Increase awareness that excessive heat is not merely uncomfortable, but dangerous.</li> <li>Make sure people are warned about impending heat waves.</li> <li>Advocate for everyone to have access to air conditioning.</li> <li>Check on and support people who live alone, especially those with no air conditioning.</li> <li>Invite people over if you have air conditioning, or help them get to community cooling stations.</li> <li>Help vulnerable people who do not have air conditioning to improvise, by freezing wet cloths, for example, to take out and hang around their necks. Doing this, especially with a fan blowing, can be surprisingly effective.</li> <li>Learn and share the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/fact-sheet-staying-healthy-heat.html">warning signs of heat-related illness</a>.</li> <li>Make sure they drink plenty of water and other replenishing fluids.</li> </ul> <p>While we must do our best to limit climate change to keep our planet from getting ever hotter, we must also make every effort to protect the vulnerable from the impacts of the heat that is already here.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236829/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/myles-david-sergeant-1542267">Myles David Sergeant</a>, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/mcmaster-university-930">McMaster University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-dies-in-a-heat-wave-how-to-help-protect-the-vulnerable-in-our-communities-236829">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Caring

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Aussie mum jailed after faking her own death for major insurance payout

<p>A Perth woman who faked her own death to secure a $700,000 insurance payout has been sentenced to three years behind bars. </p> <p>Karen Salkilld, 43, an F45 gym franchise owner, claimed she died in a car accident in Broome in December 2023. </p> <p>The mother-of-two, also provided a falsified death certificate, a coroner report and funeral documents, when she made the claim in January.</p> <p>A month later, she received more than $718,000 from Insuranceline, which she accessed by posing as her former partner who was the beneficiary of the sum and opening a bank account in her name. </p> <p>The "relatively sophisticated" scheme was initially successful, until police became suspicious and froze her account after she moved large amounts of the money around, according to<em> Nine News</em>. </p> <p>Salkilld had to visit Palmyra Police Station in person to certify her fake documents, but after three visits, officers realised something was up and arrested her in March. </p> <p>There is no evidence that her former partner knew of the crime. </p> <p>The fitness instructor admitted that she got the idea from a movie after she fell into debt, although she didn't specify which one. </p> <p>"Your offending could not be described as opportunistic," Judge Vicki Stewart told Perth District Court said in sentencing the fitness instructor. </p> <p>"It was calculated and required both effort and persistence."</p> <p>"You were living beyond your means and over-committed yourself," Stewart added. </p> <p>Salkilld pleaded guilty to gaining benefit by fraud and knowingly using a false record to defraud, and was sentenced to three years in prison on Monday. </p> <p>She was ordered to pay a $101,771 compensation to the insurance company. A restitution order for funds in the bank account was also issued - one for $549,195 and another for $67,995 - with the latter being held in the bank's fraud recoveries account. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Nine News</em> outside court after the sentencing, Salkilld's estranged sister Ann said "it doesn't surprise me that she is capable of doing things like that."</p> <p>She will be eligible for parole in February 2026.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News </em></p>

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"Profound grief": Baby dies during family holiday in Bali

<p>A family are in mourning after their young child died tragically while they were enjoying a holiday in Bali. </p> <p>The toddler, who has been described as a bright light who filled every room with joy, passed away in a tragic accident on October 19th. </p> <p>The boy's great aunt, Bronwyn Cox, has started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-grace-and-brendan-cope-with-the-loss-of-their-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to help the child's parents with the mounting costs of getting the baby's body back to Australia. </p> <p>She added that funds will help cover the funeral, and allow parents Grace and Brendan time to grieve without financial pressure.</p> <p>“Our dear niece Grace and her partner, Brendan, have faced the unimaginable loss of their baby boy,” Cox wrote on the fundraiser. </p> <p>“He brought immense joy and love into all our lives, and his passing has left us all in profound grief.”</p> <p>She expressed gratitude to those who have already donated, saying that their kindness “will provide much-needed relief and show Grace and Brendan they are not alone.”</p> <p>At the time of writing, the fundraiser has raised $30,000 of its $35,000 goal. </p> <p>The child’s father, Brendan, shared his heartbreak on Facebook, describing his son as a “one of a kind” child with boundless cheer and charm.</p> <p>“His cheekiness and affection were like no other … always dancing and having fun,” he wrote. </p> <p>“You were so special, my boy. Keep shining like the star you are, and keep an eye on all of us down here. We love and miss you so much.”</p> <p>The parents, who are now back in Australia, are working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for assistance in getting their child home, while no further details about the fatal accident have been disclosed. </p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Radio host dies weeks after cancer diagnosis

<p>Beloved radio host Rob Dempsey has passed away just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. </p> <p>Rob Dempsey, host of American Christian radio show <em>HisAir</em>, revealed his diagnosed with bladder cancer in a Facebook post just eight days before his death. </p> <p>After being hospitalised for emergency surgery related to his cancer, Dempsey went in to cardiac arrest and could not be revived. </p> <p>News of Dempsey's death was also shared on <em>His Radio's Rob and Lizz in the Morning</em> show, with the hosts saying, "He always had us laughing."</p> <p>"His finger prints are all over this place. He was not just a boss, he was a leader, an encourager. He made such an impact to the in the community and to Greenville."</p> <p>They added, "We lost him but heaven gained such an incredible person."</p> <p>Just days before his death, Dempsey shared on his Instagram page that he was in hospital for surgery on his left kidney.</p> <p>"It's so overcrowded at this hospital that will be in hallway. Nothing you can do, but the care from these nurses and doctors are wonderful." he wrote.</p> <p>When he shared news of his cancer diagnosis on Facebook, he said doctors told him it was ''aggressive" but he was "at peace today knowing God is in control".</p> <p>"A big thank you to all who have been praying for me. I saw the report today. I have bladder cancer and it looks aggressive," he said.</p> <p>"Thankfully I'm at peace today knowing God is in control. The days ahead will be tough and that's ok. I am determined to be a dad there for his kids."</p> <p>"I'm determined to be that grandpa who will watch them grow up, graduate and get married. I want to grow old with my wife who has been a rock through all of this junk."</p> <p>He added, "I've watched a few videos of people who have survived this and even have new bladders! Things look hopeful."</p> <p>The radio star is survived by his wife, kids and grandchildren.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 16px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333;"> </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 16px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333;"> </p>

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Woman's late husband "sues from beyond the grave"

<p>A woman has claimed her late husband is "harassing her from beyond the grave" after she was forced to fight legal action he took out against her before his untimely death. </p> <p>Lucinda regularly posts about her life on TikTok, and has recently told her followers about the shocking way her ex-husband is haunting her after his passing. </p> <p>In a viral video, the American woman revealed that her spouse had tragically died from a heart attack, and prior to his death, he had been taking her to court for $4,200.</p> <p>Following his death, she found out she still had to go to court to fight it. </p> <p>Lucinda captioned the clip, "When does it end?!", as she began the clip by saying, "I swear you can't make this s**t up."</p> <p>She explained, "My husband who was harassing me for 20 months with a bunch of legal s**t. All I was trying to do was get divorced. Instead, he had a heart attack and died. So now I’m a widow."</p> <p>Lucinda revealed that her spouse had filed a claim against her for vet bills, saying, "He filed a small claims suit against me claiming $4,200 worth of vet bills for our 15-year-old cat."</p> <p>"Even though he has died, the court states that I still need to show up for mandatory mediation. So this f***er is still harassing me and suing me from the grave. It’s f***ing crazy."</p> <p>Her followers flooded the comments section and expressed their shock over the situation, with one person joking, "Well, if it's mandatory for one it's mandatory for both. Show up. Case dismissed."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / TikTok</em></p>

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Major twist in probe into water polo coach's death

<p>A probe into the tragic death of a water polo coach at St Andrew's Cathedral School has revealed an astonishing twist in the investigation. </p> <p>Lilie James, 21, was found dead inside a gymnasium bathroom at the Sydney school on October 25th last year, as police issued a warrant for Paul Thijssen's arrest in connection to her death. </p> <p>A school staffer let police officers into the building at Town Hall Square, where Lilie's "unrecognisable" body was found, left with "serious head injuries".</p> <p>In the days after Lilie's death, police established a second crime scene at The Gap in Sydney's east where they recovered Thijssen's body. </p> <p>Now, as a probe into her death continues, insiders have revealed to Daily Mail Australia that St Andrews Cathedral School principal Dr Julie McGonigle has been told the school will not be considered an "interested party" at the coronial inquiry into the deaths. </p> <p>The exclusion comes despite teachers and students having intimate knowledge and involvement with Ms James and school hockey coach Thijssen prior to the murder, and school staff having assisted in the discovery of the horrific crime scene.</p> <p>School principal Dr McGonigle revealed in her latest Head of School Newsletter that "at this stage, the State Coroner does not consider St Andrew's Cathedral School to have sufficient interest in this matter to be considered an interested party, pursuant to the Coroners Act".</p> <p>The inquest into the deaths of Lilie Anne James and Paul Thomas Stephan Thijssen will be held over three days from March 18th next year.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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"One of the greatest men": Tarzan star dies at age 86

<p><em>Tarzan</em> star Ron Ely has died at the age of 86. </p> <p>The news of his passing was confirmed in an emotional statement by his daughter Kirsten, who wrote, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad."</p> <p>“My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person – there was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him.”</p> <p>“I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven sent honour that has been. To me, he hung the moon.”</p> <p>“My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved,” Kirsten continued.</p> <p>“It was also a story of joy and love – something everyone close to him had the privilege of experiencing. Once you knew my father’s love, the world grew to be a brighter and more meaningful place.”</p> <p>“I am doing my best to walk this path of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me,” she added. </p> <p>“My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it’s etched into my soul. I will proudly carry all of my favourite pieces of them – lovingly cemented into my heart – until we all meet again.”</p> <p>Ely first one to fame in the 1960s with his role as <em>Tarzan</em> in the NBC TV series, which ran from 1966 to 1968. </p> <p>He later returned for Universal’s <em>Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze</em> in 1975, and took on guest roles on some of TV’s biggest shows, including <em>Wonder Woman</em>, <em>The Love Boat</em>, <em>Fantasy Island</em> and <em>Superboy</em>.</p> <p>Ely is survived by his daughters, Kirstin and Kaitland. In 2019, his son, Cameron, was shot and killed by Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputies after allegedly stabbing his mother, Ely’s wife, to death.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matthew Rettenmund / Banner/Kobal / Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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Legendary broadcaster dies at age 87

<p>Legendary broadcaster and journalist Colin Chapman has passed away at the age of 87. </p> <p>After years of suffering from poor health, Chapman - who was known for his work in the media and as an author - died over the weekend. </p> <p>Chapman’s career spanned three continents and saw him as a print reporter as well a TV presenter, working for <span id="U842243185388XfE">BBC TV</span>, as well as having stints at the <span id="U842243185388uG"><em>Sunday Times</em>, <em>Financial Times</em> </span>and <span id="U842243185388pRF"><em>Observer</em>.</span></p> <p>He said previously, “There will not be many journalists who have been both writers and executives in the print media, and also on-camera performers and senior managers in radio and television.”</p> <p>He also enjoyed stints at the <em>New York Times</em>, <em>Washington Post</em> and <em>ABC</em>, where he was a founding producer of the network’s <em>The World Today</em>.</p> <p>Most recently, Chapman was the editor-at-large for the <em>Australian Outlook</em>, where his work included columns on elections around the world this year.</p> <p>During his renowned career, Chapman was not only an expert political analyst but also a revered foreign correspondent, including covering terror attacks in Hong Kong in the 1960s and international conflicts in Africa and the Suez region.</p> <p>He spent three periods in Australia - the last in 2004 - and was granted citizenship.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

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One Direction star passes away aged 31

<p>Former One Direction star Liam Payne has reportedly been found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, according to local newspaper <em>La Nacion</em>.</p> <p>The 31-year-old is believed to have fallen from the third floor of a hotel at around 5pm local time the newspaper said, citing emergency services.</p> <p>According to<em> La Nacion</em> the local police station was called by the hotel manager who reported "an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol". </p> <p>It is reported that Payne fell from around 13 or 14 metres and suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life." </p> <p>Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system SAME (El Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias), told local TV that Payne had fallen into a courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood.</p> <p>“At 17.11, a SAME team arrived and confirmed the man’s death. We later learned that he was a singer in a musical group.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, he had injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death. There was no possibility of resuscitation.”</p> <p>Payne was one of the founding members of One Direction, one of the most loved boy bands of the past decade.</p> <p>He auditioned first as a solo act for the UK reality series The X Factor in 2008, before being eliminated.</p> <p>In 2010 he auditioned again and was grouped with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik by the judges to form One Direction.</p> <p><em>Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

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"A wonderful human being": Tributes flow for George Negus

<p>Tributes have poured in for George Negus, a founding presenter of Nine's <em>60 Minutes</em> and ABC's <em>Foreign Correspondent, </em>following his death at age 82. </p> <p>News of the broadcaster's death was announced by his family in an emotional statement saying that he had <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/george-negus-dies-at-age-82" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died peacefully</a> surrounded by loved ones after a "gracious decline" from Alzheimer's disease. </p> <p>His family also said while Negus would be celebrated for his "unique contribution to journalism, football, and the environment" he would also want to be remembered for the  "incredible family man he was". </p> <p>"To us, 'Negsy' was the greatest father, grandfather, and partner there ever was," they said in the statement. </p> <p>"We created a beautiful life together and we will miss him dearly.</p> <p>"We would ask for privacy and time to farewell George in our own way with family, and his and our closest friends."</p> <p>Now, tributes have poured in from fellow colleagues, with TV personality Ray Martin saying that Negus was "more than a colleague, he was a mate".</p> <p>"He was probably the strongest TV character I can remember on Australian television," Martin said.</p> <p>"He was outrageous, he was charismatic, he was loud, he was heavily opinionated, he was funny but he was just a great bloke."</p> <p>Fellow journalist Liz Hayes has honoured him for being a "trailblazer" in Australian journalism, and praised his  "larger than life" personality. </p> <p>"George always had an insatiable appetite for information, but he was a regular guy too," Hayes said.</p> <p>"This is a guy who loved the cooking segment on the <em>Today</em> show, this is a guy who enjoyed sport and he was a family man."</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Negus, remembering him as "a giant of Australian journalism".</p> <p>"His courage, curiosity and integrity gave millions of Australians a sense of the big issues on <em>60 Minutes</em>, and a window to the world through<em> Foreign Correspondent</em>," he said.</p> <p>"George sought and served the truth with steely determination and a twinkle in his eye, and along the way, he made even the smallest TV screen feel that much bigger.</p> <p>"He was a wonderful human being and his loss will be deeply felt by so many Australians.</p> <p>"We offer his family the heartfelt condolences of our nation. May he rest in peace."</p> <p>Negus is survived by his partner Kirsty, his two sons Ned and Serge as well as the rest of his family. </p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

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Mother helps raise over $1 million for her children ahead of her death

<p>A single mother from America has left an enduring financial legacy to her two young children in the weeks before her untimely death. </p> <p>Erika Diarte-Carr, 30, started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-erika-and-her-children-with-funeral-expenses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in order to cover costs of her own funeral, as well as providing funds to raise her two kids,  Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5.</p> <p>After setting the fundraising goal for $5,000 USD, generous members of her community spread the word of her selfless actions, with the fundraiser now reaching over $1.7 million USD and counting. </p> <p>Titled “Support Erika: A Mother planning her own funeral”, the page has garnered more than 38,000 individual donations.</p> <p>The page reads, “Dear family, friends and to all of those of you who may or may not know know me..."</p> <p>“My name is Erika Diarte-Carr. I am 30 years old and a single mother of two beautiful children. Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5). ❤️ They are my whole life, light and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going.”</p> <p>The mother then shared the tragic details of her cancer journey, as she recalled being diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer in May 2022 after presenting for “normal shoulder surgery”.</p> <p>“By that point, the damage had already been done. In that moment, mine and my kids’ entire lives had changed forever, as well as all of those around us,” she wrote.</p> <p>On top of her cancer diagnosis, Erika was hit with another blow in January 2024 as she was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome, which resulted in rapid weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, and further debilitating symptoms the mother claimed had “taken so much away” from her family.</p> <p>The page was updated in mid-September upon advice Ms Diarte-Carr had just three months to live and that treatments would “no longer help”.</p> <p>The mother added to the GoFundMe page how the excess funds would be allocated, writing, “For anyone’s concern, all the funds that have exceeded my funeral costs goal will be now put into a trust fund for my babies that way I can leave behind something for them and I can still ensure they are going to be ok as they grow up."</p> <p>On October 4th, the mother thanked donors and announced she and her family were able to take one final trip together hoping to leave her kids with “memories that’ll last a lifetime”.</p> <p>Just days later, Erika's cousin shared a post to social media to announce that Erika had passed away on October 12th.</p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart that this is the final update I will be giving for my cousin Erika,” she wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“She fought a long and hard battle. She was strong and held on as long as she could for her babies. I know she was so thankful for all of your support and love and prayers.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

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Tributes flow after young model dies suddenly

<p>A young model has been remembered as the "most beautiful, caring and supportive woman" by her friends after she died tragically in a fatal car accident. </p> <p>Aussie model Elise Hodder, 24, was at a rave with her friends and as they were leaving the venue in Melbourne in the early hours of Sunday morning, she was hit by a vehicle that allegedly reversed at speed in a car park.</p> <p>Two others were also hit in the accident, as a 26-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her lower body, while a 25-year-old man was also struck but escaped unharmed.</p> <p>According to police, Hodder was pronounced dead at the scene. </p> <p>Prior to the accident, the young model appeared in New York's <em>Vanguard</em> Magazine, as well as many other prominent photo shoots. </p> <p>The 23-year-old man behind the wheel at the time of the crash is accused of having cannabis in his system and police say he allegedly blew three times over the legal blood alcohol content limit.</p> <p>In the wake of the fatal accident, the man has been charged with several offences, including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligently causing serious injury, as police also allege he was driving without a licence.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in for Hodder after her sudden death, with loved ones sharing memories of the "hilarious" young woman who was "unapologetically herself".</p> <p>Hodder's father said his daughter's death left him "torn apart", as he wrote, "You were the most beautiful, caring and supportive woman."</p> <p>"We will cherish every memory and support all your friends as you always did for others. [I'm] torn apart, but your smile and heartbeat will always be with us. Words can’t even begin to describe the grief that floods her family and friends. I will carry you in my heart forever."</p> <p>Another friend also shared her immense grief on social media, writing, "To know Elise, was to love Elise."</p> <p>"Never have I met someone so hilariously and unapologetically herself. Her laugh was infectious, her eyes bewildering, and a heart so full of love."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Facebook</em></p>

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"One of the best": Home and Away stars pay tribute to colleague

<p>Former and current stars of <em>Home and Away</em> have paid tribute to their colleague, who has passed away after a battle with cancer. </p> <p>Bruce Murray, who worked as a key grip behind the scenes of the show, has died just one year after going public with his diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. </p> <p>The news of his passing has rocked the show, with cast mates taking to social media to share their stories of their time with Bruce. </p> <p>"Love you Brucey, you beautiful thing," Emily Weir, who plays Mackenzie Booth said on Instagram.</p> <p>What a man, never a dull moment on the set or on the dance floor," Sarah Roberts, who played Willow Harris on the show before leaving in 2021, wrote.</p> <p>"One of the reasons I loved going to work... couldn't stop giggling at his jokes and his dance moves. I'll miss you Brucey!"</p> <p>"One of the best gone too soon," <em>Home and Away</em>'s head of makeup and hair, Laura Vazquez posted on Instagram. "Will miss you, mate. Can't believe I won't be seeing you again. RIP Brucey, you absolute legend."</p> <p>Murray's diagnosis with stage four oesophageal cancer was made public in October 2023, when his loved ones launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money for his family as he underwent treatment.</p> <p>"Recently our beloved, good friend, Bruce Murray was diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer which has unfortunately gone into his blood stream and formed multiple cancers on his bones – ribs, spine, collar bone, sacrum, and hips," the GoFundMe page's message read.</p> <p>Many<em> Home and Away</em> alumni contributed to the GoFundMe, including Ada Nicodemou, Matt Little, Georgie Parker, Jessica Tovey, Stephanie Panozzo, Pia Miller, Ethan Browne, Axle Whitehead, and Philippa Northeast as well as numerous other anonymous donations and donations from producers and other Home and Away staffers, with the page raising $51k for Bruce's treatment.</p> <p>Bruce is survived by his wife of 19 years, Shelley Murray – who is a costume designer and head of the <em>Home and Away</em> wardrobe department – and their two children.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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